KENT, Conn. — The Kent Senior Center is more than a venue for educational and fun activities.
It’s also a place where many local residents gather for a monthly lunch to share stories, dine, and many times, make plans to do other activities together.
More than 35 individuals attended the Wednesday, June 4, luncheon provided by St. Andrew’s Church.
Lunches are held monthly with food donated by various organizations.
The June event was highly attended because the church has a reputation for serving “delicious food,” quipped Rosemary Jones, Social Services assistant.
Volunteers from Kent and surrounding towns helped serve the meal of East Coast Chicken salad, cornbread and fudge brownies.
The chicken recipe was courtesy of Roger White, a longtime rector of St. Andrew’s.
Volunteers were Fr. Rich Clark, George-Ann Gowan, Michael Ward, James Mutaka, Steve Morocco, John Barton, Judy Perkins, and Susan Kennedy of Kent, Melissa Schipul of New Milford, Aileen Holihan of Sherman, and Kathy Fricker and Marel Rogers of Sharon.
In addition to lunch, attendees received a special treat, coordinated by Megan Solkolnicki of Kent School.
Guests were presented an assortment of gifts donated by numerous organizations, businesses and schools: Kent School, South Kent School, Marvelwood School and Kent Center School as well as Davis IGA, Mobil Station, Kent Wine & Spirit, No. 109 Cheese Shop, Heron Shop, Kingsley Tavern, 45 on Main, So Delicious, House of Books, Wilson’s by Highwatch, Kent Station Pharmacy and Sundog Shoe & Leather.
School donations included T-shirts, hats and other items.
“Megan put everyone’s name into a bowl and drew them so seniors could select a gift,” Jones related. “It was fun for everyone.”
Jones said the senior center is hopeful it will continue to offer a monthly lunch for the summer months. They are looking for a local restaurant to donate a meal for July and/or August.
“The Social Services’ senior center budget is limited, and the private schools, the Lions’ Club and St. Andrew’s Church generously donate a meal for the seniors during the year,” Jones added.
